The Time$() Command

The Liberty BASIC Time$() command can be used to not only tell the correct time, but also to plan timed events. The time intervals are often fixed, such as would be needed when programming a watch or a stop watch (See article by Bill Beasley [Issue #116]). With other events, like arcade games, it is more desirable to have non-fixed time intervals between events for a more random effect. "Timing Events and Heartbeats" in Liberty BASIC Lesson Browser form (timingEvents.lsn) shows how to

1. Use the Time$("milliseconds") to measure tenths and hundredths of a second
2. Play a .wav file at both fixed and random intervals
3. Draw a clock with a more realistic sweeping second hand
4. Recognize the difference between a regular and an irregular heart beat rhythm

The program concludes with a simple Heartbeat simulation that can be used as a tutorial / drill and practice educational program for nursing and other health care students.

This demonstration shows that the Liberty BASIC Lesson Browser has a use in the classroom for teaching even non-programming skills.

"Timing Events and Heartbeats is geared toward the novice programmer. The code does contain user-defined functions. For further assistance with identifying, understanding and incorporating user-defined functions in your programs, first read the Liberty BASIC Help File (Function and Functions and Subroutines). Next, read "Function Fundamentals" by Alyce Watson [Issue #114].

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These files must be in the same folder as timingEvents.lsn file. Be sure to open the timingEvents.lsn file to go through the lesson.

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